The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (HBO)

About The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (HBO)

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is an HBO TV series that aired in 2009. The show is based on the novel series of the same name by Alexander McCall Smith. The plot revolves around Precious Ramotswe, who starts her own detective agency in Botswana becoming the first woman detective in the country. The series elegantly combines elements of mystery, drama, and comedy to portray the personal and professional life of Mma. Ramotswe.

Making / Production

The series is a co-production between the BBC, HBO, and the Weinstein Company. The pilot was directed by the late Anthony Minghella, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Richard Curtis. The TV show was filmed on location in Botswana, making it the first major production to be shot in the country.

Actors

• Jill Scott as Precious Ramotswe: An American Grammy-award-winning performer, Scott is riveting as Botswana's premier (only) lady detective. Her characterization of Mma. Ramotswe is beautifully layered and filled with warmth.
• Anika Noni Rose as Mma Makutsi: Rose gives an exceptional portrayal of Mma Ramotswe's overly ambitious and diligent secretary who eventually becomes an essential part of the detective agency.
• Lucian Msamati as Mr. JLB Matekoni: Msamati brings to life the character of Mr. JLB Matekoni, a gentle and capable garage owner who has a soft spot for Mma Ramotswe.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• It is the first major production filming entirely on location in Botswana.
• The series is based on the best-selling novel series "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" by Alexander McCall Smith.
• Despite its short run, the show gained a considerable fan base which led to the production of two-hour television films continuing the series.

Awards

The series succeeded in winning the hearts of the critics and the viewers alike. It received three nominations at the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards including Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special.

Quotes

• "I do not overlook the bad, but I choose to emphasize the good."
• "The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes."
• "I'm finding that in matters of the heart, it pays to listen to me."

Music, Soundtrack

• The title theme song "When You Come Back" by Vusi Mahlasela sets the tone for the series with its beautiful African vibe.
• The series' score was composed by Gabriel Yared who collaborated with director Anthony Minghella on many occasions.
• There is a distinct African influence in the music which was made possible by including local musicians and instruments in the recording process.